SSNAP 2023/24 finalist Alicja Swiatlon’s new work “Say A Prayer” showing in the Beep Painting Biennale 2024 in Wales.

 

The Beep Painting Prize 2024 participants were asked to respond to the theme of ‘I won’t stay in a world without love’, a lyric taken from a discarded Beatles song.

Artists were able to submit up to two paintings based loosely on this year’s musical theme. Over 300 artists were given the title of a song from a rescued 7” vinyl record and create a new painted cover for it. The painted record covers each measuring 18cm x 18cm (7”x7’’), and the music will form the main content of the exhibition.

“I was given the title of a song “Say A Prayer” and it became the title of my painting. In ‘Say A Prayer’, I chose blue as the dominant colour for its connection to the sky, symbolizing serenity and faith. The interplay of circle and square shapes reflects a bridge between the material (square) and spiritual worlds (circle) – an invitation to seek guidance beyond the tangible. This painting embodies the essence of prayer, capturing both the peaceful and often tearful moment it can bring.

Through this painting, I invite viewers to take a moment to contemplate. My work is an exploration of colour, with each piece involving layered pigments and acrylics on raw canvas, creating a rich, velvety depth that emerges over time through a meditative process.” – Alicja Swiatlon

“Say A Prayer”
7”x7”
Acrylic on raw canvas